Egypt: From Settlement to Mighty Civilization

by Raya Broad, age 11

Ancient Egypt was a monumental civilization that is still admired to this day. This nation's history reveals a fascinating progression from small settlement to country.

People first settled in Egypt because of the Nile River. The Nile provided many things necessary for a settlement, such as food sources from the fish and the animals that came to drink here; water from the river itself; fertile silt for farming; and building materials from vegetation growing in its nearby areas. People also settled in Egypt because of its surroundings: the sand dunes, hot weather, and rough climate made it difficult to invade Egypt, therefore making it a safe place to live.

Over time, Egyptians started expanding their knowledge of the elements and resources occurring around them. They ultimately found a way to maintain an ongoing food supply, which helped their population grow substantially. From here, they began to create culture, arts, and religion.

Around the time that their religion began to form, the Egyptians also started to create a sense of government. Their government was ruled by a king, who they called a pharaoh. A pharaoh was believed to be either a god or the one “chosen” by the gods. Additionally, Egyptians practiced polytheism, or the belief in more than one god. Because of this, they thought that pharaohs went to a place called the afterlife when they died.

For pharaohs to live happily in the afterlife, Egyptians thought they needed to rest in peace, so they created the pyramids. These served as the pharaoh’s tombs.

The Egyptians created many things, but the pyramids are arguably the most memorable part of their legacy.

[Sources: Reader's Digest Illustrated History of the World; The Dawn of Civilization-Prehistory to 900 BC]

Great job, Raya! I like all the background you give about Egypt and why people settled there. Keep up the good work! – Leila, West High School(2016-10-15 11:25)